Eligibility

CNRN certification is recognized for a period of five (5) years. The actual expiration date of a CNRN certificate is December 31st of the 5th complete year after certification (i.e., certification of CNRNs initially certified in 2005 or recertified effective January 1, 2006, expires on December 31, 2010).

CNRNs must have the following to be eligible for recertification:

• RN license valid through the date of recertification
• CNRN credential that expires the year in which the application is submitted (i.e. a CNRN due to renew in 2011 may not submit an application in 2010, regardless of whether or not the CE requirement has been met)

In addition, a recertifying CNRN must meet the following requirments in neuroscience nursing practice* hours over the last five years, depending on which recertification option is chosen.

• Option 1—Recertification by Exam: 4,160 practice hours (the equivalent of 2 years' full-time work)
• Option 2—Recertification by CE (full-time): 4,160 practice hours (the equivalent of 2 years' full-time work)
• Option 3—Recertification by CE (part-time): 2,500 practice hours (the equivalent of 2 years' part-time work)

*Neuroscience nursing practice includes clinical practice, consultation, research, administration, or education in the neuroscience field.